Amitabh Bachchan Birthday Post: Fun Facts to Know about the Bollywood Icon

The star, who turns 74 on October 11, is well-known not just for his talented acting skills but for being an iconic inspiration to his family, peers, and fans

[Photo Credit: Getty Images/Dominique Charriau]

No one can deny that Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan is a legend. The star, who turns 74 on October 11, is well-known not just for his talented acting skills but for being an iconic inspiration to his family, peers, and fans. As we celebrate his birthday, here are some fun facts about the actor.

1. His full name is Amitabh Harivansh Rai Shrivastava Bachchan. He was born in Allahabad to a well-known poet Harivansh and his wife Teji. They initially named him Inquilaab, a name inspired from the Inquilaab Zindabad phrase, used in the Indian independence struggle. The phrase means “long live the revolution.” He has a younger brother named Ajitabh.

2. He wanted to become an engineer and also wanted to join the Indian Air Force at one point.

3. The movies that made him famous were “Zanjeer” (1973) and “Deewar” (1975). The first salary he ever received was Rs. 300.

4. His alma mater is Sherwood College, Nainital Kirori Mal College, and Delhi University.

5. Bachchan married Jaya Bhaduri in 1973. They have two children, Shweta Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan, the latter is also a famous Bollywood actor now and is married to Aishwarya Rai.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images/Taylor Hill]

6. Former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi wrote a letter to Nargis endorsing Amitabh for a role in Sunil Dutt’s film. One of his mentors was seasoned actor Mehmood.

7. He’s appeared in over 180 films and has worked for decades in the industry including some favorites such as “Anand,” “Namak Haraam,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Don,” “Agneepath,” “Silsila,” “Mohabbatein,” “Black,” “Paa,” and “Piku,” and most recently, “Pink.”

8. He absolutely dominated the Indian film from 1970-1980. Bachchan has won 15 Filmfare awards among a slew of other awards over the years.

9. He’s been a politician, singer, TV producer, and spokesman. He is also beloved for his role as host on “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

10. Different governments have awarded him various awards. The Indian government honored him with the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 for contributions the arts.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images/Hindustan Times] 

The French Government honored him with the Knight of the Legion of Honor in 2007 which is the highest civilian honor for his career in the world of cinema and beyond.

11. He made his Hollywood debut in 2013 with the character Meyer Wolfsheim in ‘The Great Gatsby” alongside Leonardo di Caprio

[Photo Credit: Getty Images/Gareth Cattermole]

12. Bachchan is involved in numerous humanitarian causes: he donated over $50,000 to the farmers of Andhra Pradesh and Vidarbha, became a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, donated thousands for the upliftment of girls in India, money towards tiger conservation, PETA, and even towards the TeachAIDS software. The latest cause Bachchan has shown support for is the Swacch Bharat campaign.

13. His net worth is reported to be 400 million dollars.

14. The famous actor is only living on 25% of his liver. He lost the other 75% to Hepatitis.

15. Bachchan is the most followed Bollywood celebrity on Twitter and maintains a large and active social media presence.

T 2405 – To them that bring all the love and wishes for the birthday .. folded hands in gratitude .. !! pic.twitter.com/q7HE9PgVLf

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 10, 2016